9 Best Things To Do in Abingdon Va for a 3-Day Getaway

Hands down, biking the Virginia Creeper Trail was the highlight of our 3 days in Abingdon.

If you do one thing here, make it this!

This scenic rail trail runs 34 miles from Whitetop, Virginia, down to Abingdon. The best part? The first 17 miles are mostly downhill, so it’s very doable even if you’re not a serious cyclist.

Along the way, you’ll ride through dense forests, past rolling farmland, beside rushing mountain creeks, and over plenty of beautiful bridges.

There are several bike rental companies in town that will shuttle you to the trailhead, which makes the whole experience easy.

Don’t miss my Virginia Creeper Bike Guide for all the details!

Full transparency, theater isn’t usually my go-to, but the Barter Theatre gets a ton of love.

It’s also got a cool backstory. It opened in 1933 during the Great Depression when people couldn’t afford tickets, so the founder, Robert Porterfield, let people trade food for admission.

Original ticket price? 30 cents… or whatever goods you had.

You can check current shows on their website.

Big Pimp at The Girl & The Raven

One of the best things to do in Abingdon? Just eat your way through it.

No chains, just locally owned spots, and it makes a difference. We were here for 3 days and kept saying how good the food scene is for a town this size.

Here are a few places worth your time:

• The Girl & The Raven

If I could only go back to one place, it’s this!

Great coffee, great matcha, but the real move is the Big Pimp breakfast sandwich (biscuit + egg + pimento cheese). Simple and ridiculously good.

• 128 Pecan

Solid Southern spot with a really friendly vibe.

Fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese are a must. The chili-rubbed salmon with cheddar grits is also really good.

• Greeko’s Grill & Cafe

Casual and easy.

Lamb gyro is the order here. They also have solid salads if you want something lighter.

• White Birch Kitchen

Good reset spot.

Fresh juices, smoothies, and lighter breakfast/lunch options. I got the ImmuniTea (elderberry, ginger, lemon, etc.) and it hit the spot.

You could honestly plan your weekend around meals here and be very happy! 

The Tavern is one of those places with serious history.

Established in 1779, it’s the oldest bar in Virginia (and one of the oldest in the U.S.). It’s hosted some big names too, including Pierre Charles L’Enfant and Louis Philippe I.

We somehow missed it after mixing up the hours, which still hurts a little.

Next time, a patio drink is happening!

If you’re in Abingdon on a Tuesday or Saturday, check out the Abingdon Farmers Market.

It’s a small but solid local market with farmers, bakers, and artisans.

We got a blueberry scone and were very happy about that decision.

Blueberry scone at Abingdon Farmer’s Market

Wild ponies in Virginia? Didn’t expect it either.

Drive about an hour to Grayson Highlands State Park and hit the trails. We hiked out toward Mount Rogers, but you’ll likely see ponies before getting that far.

They hang out along parts of the Appalachian Trail, and yes, they will walk right up to you.

Cool experience, just keep your distance.

If you want to plan the full hike, I share our exact route and tips in my Mount Rogers Hiking Guide.

Great Channels of Virginia

One of the most unexpected hikes near Abingdon was the Great Channels Hike.

It’s one of the coolest, most underrated hikes in the state.

It’s about a 6.6-mile hike to get there, but once you’re in the channels, it feels completely different. Tight mossy passageways, rock crevices, tree roots everywhere.

If you time it right, you might even have it to yourself.

I break it all down in my full Great Channels Hiking Guide.

Abingdon Olive Oil Company

This is not your average grocery store olive oil.

Abingdon Olive Oil Company carries Ultra Premium extra virgin olive oils (basically the top tier), sourced from places like Greece, Spain, and France.

They also do fused and infused oils.

We didn’t make it into the shop, but we tried their blood orange olive oil + cranberry pear balsamic at Greeko’s Grill & Cafe (on the spinach cranberry salad), and it was really good.

LOVEworks sign in Abingdon, Virginia

You’ve probably seen the “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan.

The state actually turned that into a thing with their LOVEworks program. There are 275+ LOVE signs scattered across Virginia.

In Abingdon, you’ll find one right across from the Barter Theatre and another near the start of the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Nothing you need to plan around, but fun if you’re walking by.

Renovated Vrbo rental at Old Alvarado Station

Is Abingdon worth visiting?
Yes, especially for a long weekend. It’s a great mix of outdoor activities (like the Virginia Creeper Trail and nearby hikes) and a surprisingly strong food scene for a small town.

How many days do you need in Abingdon?
We spent 3 days here, which felt just right. It gave us time to bike the Creeper Trail, explore nearby hikes, and enjoy the food scene without rushing. Here’s our exact itinerary.

What is the best time to visit Abingdon?
Spring through fall is ideal. Fall is especially popular for the foliage, but spring and early summer are great for biking and hiking without peak crowds.

Is the Virginia Creeper Trail hard?
Not really. If you do the Whitetop to Abingdon section, the first 17 miles are mostly downhill, which makes it very approachable for most people.

Can you see the wild ponies without a long hike?
Yes. At Grayson Highlands State Park, you’ll often see ponies without hiking all the way to Mount Rogers.

Where should you stay in Abingdon?
If you want to be close to restaurants, stay in downtown Abingdon at the charming A Tailors Lodging or the resort-style Martha Washington Inn & Spa.

If you prefer something quieter and more scenic, staying near the Creeper Trail (like Old Alvarado Station like we did!) is a great option.

I had never even heard of Abingdon before this trip, and I grew up in Virginia.

It ended up being one of those places that completely surprises you. Great hiking, an easy bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail, and a seriously good lineup of local restaurants.

If you’re looking for an easy small-town getaway, this is a solid pick.

And if you’re planning more trips around the state, I’ve also put together a guide to the best Virginia getaways with a few of my other favorite spots!

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Questions about our favorite things to do in Abingdon Va?

Let me know in the comments below!